The Pinoy Explorer | Batanes' oldest Ivatan house

When I took these photos last September 17, 2007, it was 3 days after the anniversary of the earthquake and the house was exactly 120 years old. Auntie Ida (Ivatans or locals commonly call elders, auntie) or Florestida Estrella, then 81, owns the house. I do not know if she is still alive. If it were so, she would be 85 by now, and the house is now 124 years old Read more about this at: Eureka! | Batanes' oldest Ivatan house ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER ...

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The Pinoy Explorer | Calapan Bay by day and night

Initially, I thought it was just an ordinary daily scene. But then peeping through the grills of the fence that separates the sea and the hotel, I noticed some people gleaning (it was a lowtide). Again, another dramatic scene I always wanted to capture through my lenses. So, I dashed back to my room and grabbed my camera backpack and in minutes, I was shooting the beautiful scenery. Thus for three mornings, what could be better than enjoying morning...

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The Pinoy Explorer | Shooting cascades in Papa-a

It was a refreshing weekend getaway--literally and figuratively. Join me as I journey in one of unknown travel destinations in Mindoro. Read more at: Shooting cascades in Papa-a ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER ...

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The Pinoy Explorer: Revisiting Barangay Calima

Barangay calima is just an ordinary village. However there are some things that make it endearing--its people, nature and all that come with it. Read more at: Revisiting Barangay Calima ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER ...

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The Pinoy Explorer: A short immersion at Pula's Iraya village

Recently, I extended an official trip in Mindoro to include a one rest day for me. This is the first of a series I blogged about Mindoro. Check out my first experience about communing with Mangyan Iraya tribe at: A short immersion at Pula's Iraya village ~ THE PINOY EXPLORER ...

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EXPLORED!: Awesome sunset in Butuan City

It is not very often you get to witness a stunning sunset that gives you goosebumps. For a photography junkie like me, you should never, never, never let it pass just like that. If you are lucky enough to bring with you a camera, that would be heaven, but you will forever be haunted by your conscience if you did not--you know the feeling that makes you uneasy and makes you curse yourself why on earth you did not bring any camera at all! Read...

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Pangkat Aklat: Flickristasindios reaches out to Isla Pulo

More than 300 new and old books in Filipino, English, Math, Literature, and other reference books were gathered for 4 weeks by the members of Flickristasindios from among its members, and organizations like CANVAS and CI Philippines. Just a few days before the typhoon Pedring struck Luzon, the books finally reached its intended beneficiaries on September 24, 2011--the school children (both elementary and high school) of Isla Pulo, which sits in...

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Explored!: Reloaded

Maintaining several blogs can be quite laborious, especially if you begin to suddenly face a writer's block--or worse, you have nothing to write about [because you feel that everyone is writing about it anyway] or simply you are dead beat or simply does not have anything to write at all. I have wanting to blog every so often, but I was up for something that I have protracted for so long.  It is my travel blog called "Explored!"  This...

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Win a free trip to Boracay

Hmmmm...I might as well join this contest.  Nothing to lose!  And why not? If i'd be lucky enough, I would spend my birthday in Boracay, which I would definitely blog about HERE! Here are the details: WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. since 2005 has been one of the most respected and trusted names for travel and tour packages. We are the No. #1 travel agency in the Philippines specializing in vacation packages for Boracay...

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Inkblots is now tweeting!

I had a personal Twitter account but I deleted it because I thought I have been managing too many social networking accounts.  But then, I thought of using Twitter to gain more readership of my blogs which I am trying to revive after a self-imposed hibernation, particularly with my Explored! blog. Blogging, I guess, is beginning to lose its popularity  because of Facebook.  I have returned to some of my favorite blogs, and there are...

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Photography and the art of seeing

In February this year, the members of Lightpainters Photography Club (LPC) had the chance to meet with Virgie Teresita a.k.a. Imago2007 in Flickr.  She is a US-based interior designer who dabbles in photography.  Virgie, has earned the respect of her fellow Flickristas for her photographic work, that is why we invited her to give a short talk for the members.  And I thank her for allowing me to blog about it (though a bit late). ...

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Winning a photo contest

Winning a photo contest for the first time (well, officially and with a prize for that matter) gives a different high!  Recently, I won a photo contest by the Foundation for Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI) and Concepts Commune, which is in advocacy for the entrepreneurship for the poor. Winning photos are included in the photo exhibit dubbed as "Kabuhayan: Travelling Exhibit on the Entrepreneurship for the Poor". I was lucky to have three...

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Inkblots' 100 most popular photos

For more than 3 years, I have put my heart into photography. I just wanna share with you my Flickr set of photos which are most popular based on views, comments and faves. Feel free to share... Advanced Happy Easter to all!   ...

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Missing cordi

Missing cordi Originally uploaded by Inkblots™ One of the joys of my work as a social development worker is the opportunity to go to different places, like Benguet in the Cordilleras. From afar, I could already see the clouds rolling over the mountaintops. It was a sight to behold. So I asked the driver of our vehicle going to Buguias, Benguet to stop so I can capture this once-in-lifetime scene. The driver obliged and took five minutes...

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Cory Aquino: An inexhaustible gift to democracy

  Author's note: This article was re-published by this author from www.devcomsync.org. An express permission was sought from the website owner. In commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution, and although this article was written in time for Cory Aquino's death, this is a fitting tribute to the bloodless revolution in 1986. The last part [in bracket] was edited to keep up with the recent developments in the Philippine...

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A date with Heidi Mendoza

Courtesy of "We Support You, Heidi mendoza" In the Facebook page set up to support Heidi Mendoza, the most recent whistle blower in the issues concerning the plea bargaining agreement of ex-General and AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia, she reiterated: "remember my main valentine message...love of family should be rooted in love of God and country..."On February 14, 2011, during the press conference dubbed as "Love your country. Have a date with Heidi!"...

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Let's get loud with plastic!

Maej, my former work colleague tagged me in one of her photos, which happened to be ladies’ beauty accessories.  And why would she tag me, I thought.  I would never buy those.  But then, I got curious about the material.  So I asked.  Apparently, it was crocheted out of recycled bags.  Cool!  And she was selling it, perhaps, thinking of me buying for wifey. Photo by Joyce Mariscal Nonetheless, I quietly observed...

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Movie: Crossroads

Some HBO movies these days are becoming too boring that missing movies is not that a big deal.  Star Movies shows newer blockbuster hits.  While shuffling from one channel to another, I chanced upon "Crossroads."  It was quite old.  With Ralph Macchio in the lead role, it must be really old!  I wonder what happened to him after his Karate Kid days?  I thought, I should take a peep at the movie. I am not a guitar player. ...

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At home [and at peace] with HDR Photography

When I saw Tony Remington's Photo set on high dynamic range (HDR), my attitude and perception towards HDR has completely changed.  Earlier in my photography, most of the HDRs I saw looks surreal and unreal.  As a beginner, I thought, this is not the kind of photography I would delve into.  It would go for more realistic photos--especially those astounding images of light and shadows. HDR was not just my cup of tea, so to say. Lately,...

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